OUR FIGHT CONTINUES for the public education our students deserve as local associations across the state kicked off campaigns earlier this year to extend $9 billion in annual Proposition 55 funding for schools and community colleges with a 2026 ballot initiative.

Since 2012, Props. 30 and 55 have generated significant funding through a tax on California’s wealthiest (currently, couples earning more than $700,000). Prop. 55, passed in 2016, is set to expire in 2030, and our union is already organizing to place an initiative on the ballot next year to continue this vital funding for our students and schools.

A 15% public education budget cut due to the end of Prop. 55 funding would be devastating and result in draconian cuts in public schools and community colleges across the state. An estimated one in every six educators will face potential layoffs without an extension of this funding — a big part of why educators are hard at work already.

“To ensure and secure the education of future generations, it’s important that we maintain Prop. 55 funding. Our students depend on us,” says Trina Gonzales-Alesi, president of Desert Sands Teachers Association (DSTA). “It would mean larger class sizes and fewer supplies at a time when we can’t rely on the federal government for our educational security.”

DSTA is already organizing to defend their students and extend Prop. 55 funding, working to educate members and collaborating with the school board to adopt a resolution of support.

“We’re actively educating our members on the benefits. We plan to start a signature gathering campaign in the fall,” says Gonzales-Alesi, a Spanish and French teacher for 27 years.

Education campaigns on Prop. 55 funding are ongoing in locals around the state, with signature gathering expected to commence with the new 2025–26 school year to qualify the initiative for the 2026 ballot. A new proposition number will be assigned later in the process when the initiative is certified. A flyer, sample resolution, calculator to see how much funding for your school district is at stake and more are available online at cta.org/Prop55Extension.

Gonzales-Alesi says these resources are helpful in getting the word out in her local. “People need to hear things multiple times before adopting it as their own.”

How Much Does Your District Stand to Lose?

Use our Prop. 55 calculator to check, and to organize

PROPOSITION 30 was approved by California voters in 2012, temporarily raising certain tax rates to provide additional financial support for public schools. Prop. 30 revenues must be spent on classroom expenses and may not be used for administrative costs. In 2016, California voters approved Proposition 55, which extends Prop. 30 from 2019 through 2030.

Check our calculator at cta.org/Prop55Extension to see how much funding is at stake for your school district. Use the results to talk to coworkers (as well as friends and family) about the urgent need to take action. Help your site reps hold worksite meetings and develop action plans. Pass a resolution committing to extend Prop. 55.

For a Prop. 55 flyer that you can customize to your district and local and pass out to members and community, visit
cta.org/document/prop-55-flyer.